1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Realme GT Master | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | Unknown | S21+ is larger and likely bulkier. Realme's dimensions are missing, so a size comparison is not possible. |
| Weight | 200g | 180g | Realme GT Master is noticeably lighter, which could be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.43" | S21+ offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness, visually indistinguishable. |
| PPI | 394 | 409 | Very similar pixel density, no noticeable difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing excellent visual quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 1000 nits | S21+ will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | S21+ chipset offers better raw performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 613,348 | S21+ shows higher benchmark scores, indicating superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 642L | S21+ has a more powerful GPU which can lead to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.70µm | Realme GT Master captures more detail in well-lit conditions due to higher resolution. S21+ has larger pixels and sensor and may perform better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm | N/A | S21+ offers optical zoom and better portrait shots. |
| Selfie Lens | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/2.74", 0.80µm | Realme GT Master has higher resolution for more detailed selfies. S21+ has a slightly wider aperture which may be better in low light |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.3, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme GT Master has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing wider shots. |
| Macro Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Realme GT Master includes a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | N/A | S21+ can do wide angle and macro with a single lens. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ can record higher resolution video. S21+ also has better video stabilization technology |
| DxOMark | Main Score: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | N/A | S21+ has a benchmark score that suggests better overall camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4300mAh | S21+ has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | Realme GT Master charges significantly faster, convenient for topping up quickly. |
| Features | Reverse charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless Charging | None | S21+ offers more battery features, including wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 15 | Android 11, Max 13 | S21+ will receive software support for a longer period of time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both support the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme GT Master has a newer Bluetooth version for better connection stability and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | QZSS, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1) | Both phones have accurate GPS but use different satellites for enhanced accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ offers eSIM support, making it easier to switch carriers digitally. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB / 8GB | S21+ has consistent 8GB of RAM. Realme offers a 6GB variant which may affect multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | S21+ provides better audio experience for music and videos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has superior scratch and drop protection on the display. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21+ has a more complete sensor set for advanced applications and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides better overall performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking.
- Brighter Display: With 1300 nits brightness, the S21+ is much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Enhanced Camera System: S21+ has a more versatile camera setup with a dedicated Telephoto lens, 8k video recording capabilities, OIS and a higher DxoMark score.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging for accessories.
- Larger Battery: The larger 4800mAh battery likely leads to longer battery life.
- Better Build Quality: The Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection against scratches and drops.
- More Software Support: Samsung promises updates to Android 15 while the Realme GT Master will only go up to Android 13.
- Additional Sensors: The S21+ includes a Barometer and Hall sensors, increasing its functionality and gaming capabilities.
Realme GT Master Advantages:
- Faster Charging: The 65W charging capability significantly reduces charging time.
- Lighter Weight: At 180g, it's more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Higher Resolution Standard and Selfie Cameras: Offers more detailed standard and selfie photos in well-lit conditions.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lens: Offers additional photographic versatility.
- Newer Bluetooth Standard: Bluetooth 5.2 provides better stability and efficiency.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ Trade-off: Heavier and bulkier, slower charging, costs more.
- Realme GT Master Trade-off: Lower brightness display, less powerful processor, smaller battery, no wireless charging, basic build quality, less software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Users who demand peak performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value a versatile camera system with telephoto zoom, OIS, and 8K video recording.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need a bright display that remains visible under sunlight.
- Users who use wireless charging: Those who prefer a convenient way to charge wirelessly
- Users who care about software support: Those who want their phone to receive the latest Android updates for the next 4 years.
Realme GT Master Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Users who want a stylish phone with good general performance.
- Users on a budget: Those looking for a feature-rich phone at a lower price point.
- Fast Charging Priority: Users who value super-fast charging to quickly top up their battery on the go.
- Photography Fans: Those who want a wide-angle lens for more creative photography, and those who take more selfies.
- Users who want a lightweight phone: Users who want a lightweight phone for comfortable long-term use.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Gaming: High-performance gaming with demanding graphics.
- Professional Photography/Videography: Capturing high-quality images and videos for work or hobbies.
- Outdoor Navigation: Using navigation apps with a clear screen in sunny conditions.
- Power Usage: Multitasking on several resource heavy apps simultaneously
- Realme GT Master:
- Social Media: Taking photos and videos, and browsing social media platforms.
- Daily Use: Good performance for everyday tasks such as checking email and browsing.
- Travel: Capturing detailed vacation photos with a wide variety of lenses while being lightweight.
- Quick Top Ups: Charging your phone for a few minutes to get a significant charge
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance vs. Price: Do you need the absolute best performance, or are you willing to compromise for a lower price?
- Camera Needs: Do you need a versatile camera with telephoto capabilities, or do you prioritize standard, wide-angle, and macro lenses?
- Charging Speed vs. Battery Life: Do you prioritize fast charging, or longer battery life, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User on a Budget: If budget is a concern and you still want good performance, the Realme GT Master is a great choice. The compromise on raw performance will result in a lighter wallet.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If you take a lot of photos and videos and are willing to pay a premium, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers greater versatility and features.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User: If you spend a lot of time outdoors and need a bright screen, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the only choice.
- Scenario 4: Light User: If you are a light user who prioritizes a light weight phone, and ultra fast charging, the Realme GT Master will work great for you!
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
Here's why:
While the Realme GT Master offers excellent value for the price, especially with its fast charging and lightweight design, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers several advantages that align better with my needs. I prioritize overall performance, camera quality, display visibility, and battery life features. The S21+ provides a more seamless experience when gaming and multitasking, and the screen will work better when I'm out on a sunny day. The better camera system will also allow me to take the best photos, especially due to OIS. Finally, the slightly larger battery will be better for my needs of a phone that will last all day.
